Top five reasons the Panthers will struggle against Niners

Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) celebrates with his teammates after an interception by cornerback Drayton Florence (29, not pictured) during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 10-9 earlier this season. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

JOHN KRYK, QMI Agency

CHARLOTTE - If the Carolina Panthers could defeat the Niners in San Francisco on Nov. 10, you might think they’d be favoured at home for Sunday’s NFC divisional playoff game.

But no. It’s a pick-’em.

And, really, that might be generous to Carolina. Even if Vegas really is telling us that the 12-4 NFC West runner-up, the Niners, are a better team on a neutral field than the 12-4 NFC South champs, the Panthers.

Vegas probably is right, despite what happened nine weeks ago.

The Panthers won that meeting 10-9 at Candlestick Park by smothering quarterback Colin Kaepernick and the Niners passing game, and by bottling up Frank Gore and the San Fran rushing attack.